PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS/ ASCP CG
CERTIFICATION TEST 2025/ ASCP CYTOGENETICS TEST
What is the best agent to use against mycoplasma? - ANSWER-BM cyclin - a combination of two
antibiotics (tiamulin and minocycline) that effecticely targets mycoplasma growth
For successful harvest, each new batch of hypotonic solution should be evaluated by: - ANSWER-
comparing the new lot to a lot already in use
Colagenase, pronase, and trypsin are: - ANSWER-Proteolytic enzymes - break down tissues into
single-cell suspensions
When harvesting peripheral blood cultures, asceptic technique no longer matters following
incubation with: - ANSWER-Colcemid - mitotic spindle poison that halts cells at metaphase
When scoring FISH for DiGeorge syndrome, a tech notices the TUPLE1 signal is present, but one of
the control ARSA probe signals is missing in every cell. This result suggests __ ? - ANSWER-The
patient has a deletion of the ARSA region
CLIA 1988- (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) stipulates that equipment must be
recalibrated __ ? - ANSWER-Every 6 months (Standard 493.1217)
What type of stained chromosome would produce a better computer image? - ANSWER-Lightly
stained chromosomes (best contrast and can be digitally edited easier)
What is the nomenclature on a patient with down syndrome referred for a hematologic disorder
where only trisomy 21 was found? - ANSWER-47,XY,+21c[20]
24 hours after culture initiation, a single dish from an amniotic fluid turns cloudy. Which cultures
should be disposed? - ANSWER-The single cloudy dish only
,What is used to reduce mycoplasma contamination? - ANSWER-BM cycline
CLIA '88 stipulates that equipment must be recalibrated ____ ? - ANSWER-After a major repair to
ensure still operational
How should caustic and corrosive chemicals be stored? - ANSWER-Both should be stored in a
nonflammable cabinet
What factors would contribute to ALL cultures failing in a CO2 incubator? - ANSWER-Temperature
CO2 level
Humidity level
What is the modal number for a diploid karyotype and an additional CBG negative marker
chromosome? - ANSWER-46
CBG = c-bands achieved with barium with Giemsa stain
CBG negative referrs to not having a centromere, which is crucial to being included in the modal
number, so this extra fragment does not have a centromere and is not counted towards the total
What is included when recording the modal number? - ANSWER-Mar - a marker chromosome is
included because it has a centromere
What is the BEST way to avoid producing ghost-like, pale chromosomes while staining? - ANSWER-
Decrease trypsin time
In order to ensure successful harvest, each new batch of hypotonic solution should be evaluated
____. - ANSWER-By comparing new hypotonic solution to that already in use
Which cell type would you want to use for long term serial cytogenetic studies? - ANSWER-
Fibroblast cells
, What is not a necessary (must be added) ingredient which is added to modified medium? -
ANSWER-Antibiotics
What chemical is used for cryopreservation? - ANSWER-Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
You are analyzing a clinical case and discover a small extra marker with satellites. What staining
technique would be most useful in determining the chromosomal origin of this marker? -
ANSWER-NOR
When using a fluorescein dye (yellow-green) labeled probe during the FISH procedure, which
counterstain should be used? - ANSWER-Propidium iodide (red)
A bone marrow sample collected in transport medium is leaking into the sealed plastic bag in which
it was transported. The technologist should_______. - ANSWER-Clean up the tube while wearing
gloves
A laboratory' quality assurance program includes _______________. - ANSWER-Proficiency testing
All of the following chromosomes have dark bands on chromosome regions that can be used as
indicators when preparing the best image: - ANSWER-Chromosome 11p
Chromosome 12q
Chromosome 17q
The morning after being set-up, a single dish of an amniotic fluid culture turns cloudy and appears
contaminated. None of the other cultures set-up that day appears contaminated. What should be
done first? - ANSWER-Harvest the culture as soon as possible
When the addition of nonhomologous material to the q-arm of chromosome 16 is suspected after G-
banding, what banding technique should be used? - ANSWER-C-banding
What chromosome is most different between C- and G-banding? - ANSWER-Chromosome 9
What chromosome region does quinacrine and acridine orange dyes stain? - ANSWER-AT rich DNA